Title
To recognize June 19, 2012, as World Sickle Cell Day in Columbus, and to support efforts to increase local and global awareness of sickle cell.
Body
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells and can cause many serious health problems, including restricted blood flow, tissue and organ damage, prolonged episodes of intense physical pain, stroke, blindness and vision problems, and increased susceptibility to infections; and
WHEREAS, more than 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell diseases, and one of every five hundred African-American children is born with sickle cell anemia; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association (OSCHA) was incorporated in 1977 and was originally established to provide a payment mechanism for adults with sickle cell disease who were medically indigent; and
WHEREAS, OSCHA's mission is to provide education, advocacy, and support statewide to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, and the organization's programs focus on education, testing, counseling, support, referral, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is a global health problem, affecting people of almost all races and especially affecting people of African, Indian, Central and South American, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and Mediterranean descent; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the global incidence of the disease, a United Nations resolution made June 19 World Sickle Cell Day to promote awareness of the illness; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize June 19, 2012, as World Sickle Cell Day in Columbus, and expresses its support for efforts to increase local and global awareness of sickle cell.